Summary : Explore five countries on this ever-popular South America tour. By Zodiac and on foot search tributaries and rain forest habitats for abundant wildlife, such as sloths, nearly 30 species of monkeys, and, with luck, pink Amazon river dolphins. Bird species number in the thousands here, including the colorful red-and-green macaw, Guianan cock-of-the-rock, and toco toucan—exceeded only by the nearly 2,000 species of dazzling butterflies. Landings at isolated villages built on stilts present you with a glimpse into the lives of Indians and other native peoples on an Amazon tour. Among the many thrills on this voyage is the chartered flight into the heart of wild Guyana to view Kaieteur Falls, nearly five times the height of Niagara.

The gateway to Amazonia, Belém was founded in 1616 by Portuguese conquistadors. Enjoy a city tour this morning including a visit to the Goeldi Museum. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the Sea Adventurer and set sail.

Spend three full days exploring the Amazon and its tributaries. This area supports an unparalleled richness of biodiversity, with nearly one-fifth of the world’s species of birds, around 30 monkey species, 1,800 species of butterflies, and more species of fish than the entire Atlantic Ocean. By Zodiac cruise along the waterways in search of birds, butterflies, Amazon river dolphins, and a host of other resident wildlife. Ashore take nature walks through lush vegetation and visit with the Caboclos, half-Portuguese, half-Indian natives who live in stilted houses along the riverbanks. With an encyclopedic knowledge of the forests and fluvial environments, they share their wealth of experiences with us as we observe them in their daily activities.

Visit the three small islands that were once the site of the infamous French penal colony known collectively as “Devil’s Island.” Soon after the French Revolution of 1789, France’s criminals were shipped here, among them Henri Charrière, who described the inhumane treatment and his escape in his autobiography Papillon. Wander the ruins of the colony, now nearly reclaimed by jungle, and visit the guards’ quarters, prisoners’ cells, hospital, and guillotine site. Burnished-buff tanagers and squirrel monkeys, among many other species, can be found in this verdant paradise of tangled fig trees.

This morning join a tour of Suriname’s capital, Paramaribo, located on the banks of the Suriname River. Visit the 17th-century Fort Zeelandia, the country’s oldest building, housing the Suriname Museum. Watch for capuchin monkeys in Palm Garden, the city’s leafy park. Adjacent is the ornate Presidential Palace, one of the many historic colonial buildings of 18th- and 19th-century style, including the enormous century-old Catholic cathedral. Rain forest habitat, which covers 85 percent of the country, begins 30 miles south of Paramaribo. An afternoon excursion takes you into the countryside to visit an Amerindian village for a cultural presentation and a Zodiac cruise along the Para River.

Guyana’s mighty Essequibo River is flanked by vast, undisturbed rain forest that blankets much of the country and supports 1,000 species of trees and about 1,200 species of mammals, reptiles, and birds. The Essequibo is lined with beaches, mangroves, shipwrecks, boatyards, and is dotted with traditional dwellings and villages. Jet boats take you on an exhilarating upriver exploration to the charming eco-resort island of Baganara, replete with white-sand beaches and nature trails. The small town of Bartika, a staging post for gold miners headed inland, has a marketplace where woodcarvings and gold jewelry are displayed.

A chartered flight far into the wild heartland of Guyana to view Kaieteur Falls is a highlight of this expedition. The falls are 300 feet wide and 741 feet high—almost five times the height of Niagara. Enjoy a dramatic view of the thundering cascade, which creates a deafening roar along with many colorful rainbows. Explore the virgin jungle of Kaieteur National Park to search for orchids and various bird species, including, with luck, the spectacular cock-of-the-rock.

Tucked off the coast of Venezuela lie the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Joined into one country in the latter part of the 19th century, Tobago is quite Caribbean in nature, with exquisite beaches, exceptional snorkeling, and a relaxed atmosphere, while Trinidad seems more the progeny of ever-lively South America with its calypso music and cosmopolitan feel. As with any siblings, the islands do share some traits, particularly with regard to their flora and fauna. Over 400 species of birds can be found here, along with 600 varieties of butterflies, and a host of monkeys, armadillos, caiman, lizards, snakes, and marine species. The varieties of flowering plants—2,300 in all—are likewise astonishing.This morning birders set out for uninhabited Little Tobago to visit a large colony of breeding red-tailed tropicbirds and search for white-tailed sabrewings, blue-backed manakins, chachalacas, motmots, and jacamars. Or, choose to visit lovely Argyle Waterfall for a refreshing swim and a chance to explore the lush surrounding forest.

After lunch on board, enjoy a snorkel excursion over some of the region’s best coral reefs. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to stroll through the charming town of Charlotteville, magnificently situated on a large, calm bay, or simply relax and soak in the sights and sounds on the white-sand beaches.

Encountered by Columbus in 1498, Trinidad’s native Indian population was later joined by Spanish, French, British, African, and Hindustani settlers, creating a cosmopolitan cultural mélange. After lunch on board, drive to Caroni Bird Sanctuary, a national park, and board local boats for a mangrove cruise. Keep an eye out for the 150 bird species found here including ospreys, herons, flamingos, plovers, and egrets. A particular highlight is the chance to photograph hundreds of flamboyant scarlet ibises as they come to roost at dusk. This evening we are joined on board by a local steel-drum band for a lively performance of traditional music.

Included:Accommodations in hotels and on board as outlined in the itinerary; all onboard meals and group meals ashore, including soft drinks, beer, and wine with lunch and dinner; arrival and departure transfers on group dates; services of the expedition staff, including lectures, briefings, slide/film shows; all group activities and excursions; landing and port fees; all gratuities; charter flight to Kaieteur Falls; emergency medical coverage (maximum benefit per paying passenger of $25,000)*; evacuation coverage (maximum benefit per paying passenger of $100,000)*.

*Emergency Medical & Evacuation Insurance:Emergency medical coverage to a maximum benefit per paying passenger of $25,000 is included in the cost of this expedition, as well as evacuation coverage to a maximum benefit per paying passenger of $100,000. Insurance is underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA. The policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. All coverages may not be available in all states. Please note this coverage does not cover you against trip cancellation or for additional days of travel prior to and/or after the expedition trip dates. ExpeditionTrips strongly advises all clients to purchase travel insurance which includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage for the entire duration of your trip.

Sea Adventurer (charter 2015)

Overview : This 110-passenger vessel, a handsome expedition vessel, was completely refurbished by Danish craftsman in 1998, in a fashion reminiscent of the days of the great ocean liners, "when ships were ships." Specifically designed for cruising on adventure itineraries to remote destinations, the Sea Adventurer brings you close up to places of natural beauty and cultural interest. She is classified A-1 ice class for unrestricted passenger service by the Lloyd's Register. Ten Zodiac landing craft permit you to land anywhere nature or curiosity dictates.

Barbie G.

The Expedition Leaders were awesome...very friendly and helpful and always there for you...they made everyone feel special.

I've had two previous trips with ExpeditionTrips...they are very good at their job...in fact, they are the best. Thanks very much to the wonderful staff at ET...they provide such high standards, and I enjoy dealing with them.

Karen S.

Gilford, NH Jun 2015

Wild Norway & Svalbard

Expedition Ship
Sea Adventurer (charter 2015)

Excellent! The most memorable parts were cruising the Lofoton Islands, museum in Longyearbyen, seeing polar bear and walrus on beach, and the scenery on Spitsbergen.

Marianne W.

Castle Rock, CO Jan 2012

Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia

Expedition Ship
Sea Adventurer (charter 2015)

The experience with ExpeditionTrips was excellent and we would not hesitate to book a trip with you again. All of our reservations and transportation worked out perfectly. There were absolutely no problems. The trip was far more than we ever expected.

The staff, guides and crew was outstanding: very knowledgeable, educated in the area of expertise and very, very helpful if anyone had questions or needed further explanations. All guides were helpful if anyone needed help walking in difficult areas such as down the mountains and in and out of the zodiac. We did the Polar Plunge which was a hoot and, can you believe, we actually landed on Elephant Island. It was a very small area and a bit slippery but we set foot on the island. That we will never forget. Of course, we had very good weather and did 27 landings which apparently was above what the leaders expected. We did not expect to do hiking trips over the mountains where the ship picked us up at the end of the trail, and several hikes over glaciers where we sledded down on our bottoms—what fun! I’m not sure you can really explain to anyone all the experiences unless someone has been there.

M. and G. S.

Providence, RI Jan 2008

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands

Expedition Ship
Sea Adventurer (charter 2015)

Our trip to the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica was an incredible experience! The expedition team made sure we saw even more than we ever expected to see. They showed us the Antarctica they have grown to love in such an up-close and personal way. It was definitely the trip of a lifetime.

D. & C. D.

Port Townsend, WA Jan 2008

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands

Expedition Ship
Sea Adventurer (charter 2015)

Our trip to the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica has definitely achieved �Best Trip Ever� status. The entire adventure was wonderful, lectures were exceptional along with shore excursions. Very professional and well organized.

K. M.

Davenport, IA Jan 2008

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands Islands

Expedition Ship
Sea Adventurer (charter 2015)

I would highly recommend this expedition. This is absolutely a first-class operation with superb lecturers and staff. It has been a real pleasure to travel with this tour operator for the first time, but hopefully not the last time!

JoEllen H.

West Linn, OR Dec 2005

Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia

Expedition Ship
Sea Adventurer (charter 2015)

Absolutely a positive experience working with your office! I'd call you first for future travel. Where did you excel. JOY - That wondrous woman. I called her so many times with a multitude of questions. I'm sure at times, she would have loved to just say STOP but her courtesies, her kindnesses, her thoughtfulness, her obvious love of her position.

She stands out with the word 'Quality' in spades. NEVER lose her. She stands out of the crowd.

Most magnificent, impressive, enchanting trip of my life...and far beyond my expectations, and I've lived in 6 countries and traveled most of Europe and know South and Central America well. This was a trip to a different planet. God was with us providing blue skies, gentle oceans and the Drake Passage was a 'piece of cake'. It was beyond my wildest dreams start to finish.

And I cannot think of any way to improve the trip. I continue to be in awe of the quality of Owners, staff, guides, crew (cleaning staff, dining room staff - CHEF, Dining room Hostess) and God knows!!! - the lecturers. Not sure how the company managed to accumulate all this talent, but frankly, I believe they're the world's best!

Your on-board representative was constantly offering her help for her Expedition group. She hosted a most gracious pre-dinner gathering and was there at the call for any assistance she could offer. You should be very proud of her.

My shipmate, old school friend, asked me to think about taking the trip with her. As I'd read so many books about the history, discovery of the pole, etc, I realized I should go.

Geoffrey and Jenny F.

Radnage, Bucks, UK Dec 2005

Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia

Expedition Ship
Sea Adventurer (charter 2015)

You excelled in your advice in guiding us and our friends in choosing this trip aboard the Clipper Adventurer. On the ship, we received a very high quality service from all staff, guides and crew who throughout were very efficient and enthusiastic. The efficiency in loading 100 passengers on and off the Zodiacs was a brilliant example.

We travel widely, but have never been south of Ushuaia. Antarctica sounded fascinating and the combination of the Falklands and South Georgia was a bonus. The most memorable was Antarctica--the most inhospitable and most beautiful continent.

John and Nancy Y.

Berkeley Heights, NJ Jan 2004

Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia

Expedition Ship
Sea Adventurer (charter 2015)

ExpeditionTrips' service is excellent and Ashton was very helpful. It meant a lot to be able to talk with someone who had been there numerous times. It was a great expedition! The wildlife, particularly on South Georgia, is as spectacular as East Africa, and the scenic beauty equals any we've seen anywhere.

The expedition leader was a master storyteller-- I wish I could convey the magic of his evocative description of Shackleton and his men as we stood off of Wilde Point at Elephant Island one misty evening.

But the most outstanding aspect of the trip was the quality of the expedition staff. The principals, the expedition leader, the guest lecturers, the Zodiac drivers, and everyone else were superlative. Where else can you hike with a man who has skied across Antarctica? Or listen to a lecture from a woman who has personally gone down in a submersible to study deep-sea vents? Or share a dedicated naturalist's enthusiasm for an albatross, a king penguin, or a Patagonian skunk?

The most memorable moment: rebounding the ship in 30-knot winds and 10-foot seas at Elsehul Bay. Some of my favorite moments were seeing the thousands of penguins on South Georgia Island, and a Zodiac cruise among the icebergs at Booth Island.

The Adventurer exceeded our expectations. The food was outstanding. The executive chef approached me the first night and volunteered to make me a sugar-free desert each evening--and followed through. The Captain was a real prince- he didn't object to 20 people on the bridge.

Michael R.

Newton Centre, MA Jan 2004

Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia

Expedition Ship
Sea Adventurer (charter 2015)

Thank you to Kristy and ExpeditionTrips.com for all your advice: I look forward to hopefully working with you again in the future! The trip was spectacular. We had a great time. It was like going to another planet. I could never imagine how fantastic Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands are. The scenery and wildlife were unbelievable.

Booth Island icebergs and Deception Island climb were unforgettable. You were right about the program, the lecturers and the expedition staff- the expedition leader was a particular highlight. The whole staff and crew were exceptionally thoughtful and helpful. We are very happy we made the trip.

Richard and Ilene J.

Boston, MA Jan 2003

Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia

Expedition Ship
Sea Adventurer (charter 2015)

The trip to Antarctica and extension to Patagonia was beyond fabulous! We have also used ExpeditionTrip.com for 4 other expedition cruises and they have provided us with simply wonderful service and expert advice!

We were blessed with zero winds (yes zero) sunny skies and mild temps the entire time that we were on the Peninsula. Indeed, it got up to 50F at Port Lockney. The crossing of The Drake likewise was fairly benign. We did have about a day and half of rough seas on the way from the Falklands to South Georgia, catabolic winds which caused the cancellation of our first stop in South Georgia, and lots of wind in Patagonia, but that was all. The guides were all great!

B. & C. M.

Seattle, WA

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands

Expedition Ship
Sea Adventurer (charter 2015)

Our trip was everything we had dreamed of and more! We were taken to places out of the mainstream, provided outstanding lectures and staff, great food, and an open bridge policy that expanded our appreciation of the journey.

Payment Policy

Deposit: 25% per person to confirm reservation

Airfare: Due at time of issuance

Final Payment: Due 120 days prior to departure

Payment Methods:Credit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX)

Cancellation Policy

In the event of a cancellation, notification must be received from the client in writing. At the time written notification is received, the following penalties apply:

• 180 days or more prior to departure: $750 per person

• 120 through 179 days prior to departure: 25% of expedition fare

• 1 through 119 days prior to departure: 100% of expedition fare

Some air fare may be nonrefundable. Once an expedition has departed, there will be no refunds for any unused portions of the trip. The above policy also applies to all extensions and independent travel arrangements made in conjunction with this program.

Please note that a Medical Form signed by your doctor may be required for participation in certain trips.